Steps You Can Take to Help Minimize Allergens in Your Home

Allergens can wreak havoc on your well-being. They may trigger asthmatic responses and, in severe cases, slowly contribute to developing lung infections. Reactions to allergens might simply make you miserable in your day to day life, which is reason enough to put a concerted effort into minimizing them in the home. There are a few simple ways to make this fight easier.

Add an Area Rug

Adding an area rug absorbs allergens and keeps them from spreading throughout your home. The rug captures the particles in its fibers, preventing them from circulating too much in the surrounding air. Hardwood floors may be easy to sweep, but the rug keeps dander and dust grounded instead of lingering in the air.

Avoid wall-to-wall carpeting and replace carpeted sections with an area rug on hardwood floors. This alternative is easier to clean while keeping the pesky allergens from spreading too far. Areas around and under the rug can then be swept easily, while the rug itself is easier to clean than carpeted floors.

Regularly Change the Air Filters

Choose air filters meant for allergens and change them often. Regular air conditioning filters aren’t made to remove allergens, but to protect your equipment. Before installing new filters, it’s a good idea to have cleaning maintenance performed on the air conditioning unit. This means ensuring that blades and ducts are free of buildup.

Filters made for allergens need to be changed about every other month. Otherwise, the buildup of pollen and other triggers makes the filter itself redundant. It’ll blow pollen around in circulation—precisely what you’re trying to avoid.

Keep Moisture Low by Controlling Humidity Levels

Invest in a dehumidifier to reduce dust mites and mold. Mold spores are a major issue for asthmatics and allergy sufferers. Using dehumidifiers in generally moist areas, like the kitchen and bathroom, can be highly effective in reducing allergen levels. Humidity monitors can be useful as well, to ensure you’re on the right track.

Other ways to minimize moisture include limiting the number of indoor plants, removing mold as quickly as possible, fixing any leaks or wet areas immediately, and switching from heavy drapes to something lighter, such as washable curtains or blinds.

The battle with allergens, particularly during the spring and summer months, can be challenging. Prevention is key to successfully fending off the misery of allergies. Set yourself up well and you’ll be much happier and far more content in your home.